pH Stability and Preservative Requirements for Stabilized Cellulase Enzyme in Concentrated Detergent
Asked by: patcharajitra
On: November 13, 2025
Product Type:
Cosmetics
Question
I am using a Stabilized Cellulase Enzyme (Alkaline type) which has an optimal activation range of pH 6-10 and temperature 25-60°C. I have two questions regarding its use in a concentrated liquid laundry detergent:
- Can the finished concentrated liquid laundry detergent formula have a pH exceeding 10? Or must the detergent be maintained strictly within the specified pH range (6-10)? If the pH is slightly lower or higher than this range, will the enzyme be damaged, considering that dilution during washing should bring the pH back into the 6-10 range?
- Does the concentrated formula require a preservative? If so, which type is recommended?
Answer
Subject: Usage of Stabilized Cellulase Enzyme (ID: 8388) in Concentrated Detergent
The Stabilized Cellulase Enzyme is an alkaline-type enzyme with an optimal activation range of pH 6-10 and a temperature range of 25-60°C.
1. pH of Concentrated Detergent Formula
The pH of the concentrated detergent formula must be maintained within the enzyme's stability range (pH 6-10) for long-term shelf life.
- Stability vs. Activity: The pH 6-10 range is critical not just for the enzyme's activity during washing, but more importantly, for its stability during storage in the concentrated product.
- Damage from High pH: If the concentrated formula's pH is significantly above 10 (e.g., pH 11 or higher), the high alkalinity will likely cause the enzyme protein to denature (break down) over time. This damage is irreversible, meaning the enzyme will be ineffective even when diluted into the wash water.
- Conclusion: To ensure the product maintains its efficacy for its entire shelf life, the concentrated formula's pH should be adjusted to be within the specified stability range (pH 6-10).
2. Preservative Requirement
Yes, a preservative is absolutely necessary for a concentrated liquid detergent formula, especially one containing an enzyme.
- Microbial Risk: Liquid, water-based formulas, particularly those containing organic materials like enzymes, are highly susceptible to microbial contamination (bacteria, yeast, mold).
- Enzyme Degradation: Microorganisms can not only spoil the product but also degrade the enzyme itself, leading to a rapid loss of function.
- Recommendation: You should use a broad-spectrum preservative that is effective in the pH 6-10 range and known to be compatible with enzymes and surfactants. Common choices for laundry products include blends of Isothiazolinones (e.g., CMIT/MIT) or certain Phenoxyethanol-based systems. Always perform a compatibility test with your specific formula and enzyme to ensure the preservative does not inhibit the enzyme's activity or stability.
